Circuit Breaker; Generator Cartridge Fuse; Iod Fuse; Diagnosis & Testing - Circuit Breaker - Dodge 2001 Ram 1500 Owner's Manual

8W - 97 - 4
CIGAR LIGHTER OUTLET (Continued)
(5) Install the cigar lighter knob and element into
the cigar lighter receptacle base, or the protective cap
into the power outlet receptacle base.
(6) Reconnect the battery negative cable.

CIRCUIT BREAKER

DESCRIPTION
An automatic resetting circuit breaker in the junc-
tion block is used to protect the system from a short
circuit, or from an overload condition caused by an
obstructed or stuck seat adjuster.
The circuit breaker cannot be repaired and, if
faulty or damaged, it must be replaced.
DIAGNOSIS & TESTING - CIRCUIT BREAKER
For circuit descriptions and diagrams, refer to Wir-
ing Diagrams.
(1) Locate the correct circuit breaker in the junc-
tion block. Pull out the circuit breaker slightly, but
be certain that the circuit breaker terminals still con-
tact the terminals in the junction block cavities.
(2) Connect the negative lead of a 12-volt DC volt-
meter to a good ground.
(3) With the voltmeter positive lead, check both
terminals of the circuit breaker for battery voltage.
If only one terminal has battery voltage, the circuit
breaker is faulty and must be replaced. If neither ter-
minal has battery voltage, repair the open circuit
from the Power Distribution Center (PDC) as
required.
GENERATOR CARTRIDGE
FUSE
DESCRIPTION
A 140 ampere generator cartridge fuse is used on
this model. The generator cartridge fuse is similar to
other cartridge fuses found in the Power Distribution
Center (PDC). This fuse has a color-coded plastic
housing and a clear plastic fuse conductor inspection
cover like other cartridge fuses, but has a higher cur-
rent rating and is connected and secured with screws
instead of being pushed onto male spade-type termi-
nals. The generator cartridge fuse cannot be repaired
and, if faulty or damaged, it must be replaced.
OPERATION
The generator cartridge fuse is secured between
the two B(+) terminal stud connection bus bars
within the Power Distribution Center (PDC). This
fuse protects the vehicle electrical system from dam-
age that could be caused by excessive charging sys-
tem output and/or excessive electrical system current
8W-97 POWER DISTRIBUTION
levels resulting from a faulty generator or faulty
charging system control circuits. If the current rating
of the fuse is exceeded, the fuse conductor melts to
open the generator output circuit connection to the
PDC. If a generator cartridge fuse fails, be certain to
completely inspect and test the vehicle charging sys-
tem before replacing the fuse and returning the vehi-
cle to service. Refer to Charging System in the
index of this service manual for the charging system
diagnostic procedures. Refer to Power Distribution
in the index of this service manual for the location of
complete PDC circuit diagrams.
REMOVAL
If a generator cartridge fuse fails, be certain to
inspect and test the vehicle charging system before
replacing the cartridge fuse and returning the vehicle
to service. Refer to Charging System in the index of
this service manual for the charging system diagnos-
tic procedures.
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Unlatch and remove the cover from the Power
Distribution Center (PDC).
(3) Remove the two screws that secure the genera-
tor cartridge fuse to the two B(+) terminal stud bus
bars within the PDC.
(4) Remove the generator cartridge fuse from the
PDC.
INSTALLATION
If a generator cartridge fuse fails, be certain to
inspect and test the vehicle charging system before
replacing the cartridge fuse and returning the vehicle
to service. Refer to Charging System in the index of
this service manual for the charging system diagnos-
tic procedures.
(1) Position the generator cartridge fuse onto the
two B(+) terminal stud bus bars within the PDC.
(2) Install and tighten the two screws that secure
the generator cartridge fuse to the two B(+) terminal
stud bus bars within the PDC. Tighten the screws to
3.4 N·m (30 in. lbs.).Be certain that both screws
are tightened to the proper torque value.
(3) Install and latch the cover onto the PDC.
(4) Reconnect the battery negative cable.

IOD FUSE

DESCRIPTION
All vehicles are equipped with an Ignition-Off
Draw (IOD) fuse (Fig. 3) that is disconnected within
the Junction Block (JB) when the vehicle is shipped
from the factory. Dealer personnel are to reconnect
the IOD fuse in the JB as part of the preparation
BR/BE